Every September, something extraordinary takes over Budapest, and in 2025, the Great Sports and Instrument Selection (Nagy Sport- és Hangszerválasztó) event will celebrate its 18th birthday in style. If you’ve been searching for a sport you actually enjoy, want to get your hands on unusual (and sometimes obscure) musical instruments, or just need an exciting family-friendly day out, mark your calendars for September 12–13, 2025, because the Merkapt Sports Center (Merkapt Sportközpont) on Maglódi Road (Maglódi út) will be buzzing with more choices than ever.
From Humble Beginnings to a Massive Experience
Kicking off in 2007 with just 10–15 sports and about 300 visitors, the Great Sports Selection has grown into Hungary’s biggest interactive exhibition promoting sports and physical activity. In just two days, over 20,000 people are now expected to explore more than 100 sports and 25 musical instruments. Supported by top athletes (think Olympic, World, and European champions) and well-known musicians, the aim is simple: to get more people moving—not just in theory, but by trying out as much as possible themselves.
There’s no pressure to become a champion—the focus is on fun, memorable moments, and maybe discovering a new hobby. Still, there are real stories of attendees who first found their favorite sport at this event and later went on to win major medals.
Zero Cost, Just Register
Entrance on both Friday and Saturday is completely free, but you’ll need to register first—either online beforehand or at the venue. On Friday, pre-booked kindergarten and school groups get first access, with doors opening more widely for families from 2 p.m., and all day Saturday.
Every visitor can meet sporting legends, collect autographs, take photos, and interact directly with star athletes like Dr. Gergely Kiss (Kiss Gergely), Áron Szilágyi (Szilágyi Áron), Gréta Gurisatti (Gurisatti Gréta), Ádám Varga (Varga Ádám), and many more. The musical side is just as hands-on: professional tutors introduce string, brass, woodwind, percussion, and keyboard instruments for everyone to try, from the classic violin and piano to saxophones, handpans, double basses, and even electric bass guitars.
Big Names, Big Variety
If you expect only the most mainstream sports—soccer, swimming, water polo, handball, fencing, kayaking—you’re in for a surprise. Of course, Hungary’s favorites are here, but so are new discoveries like ballet, weightlifting, breakdancing, triple games (a mix of three sports), and even obstacle course racing (OCR).
On multiple stages, you can expect a packed program: live sports demonstrations, open practices, and top-class concerts. At each sporting booth, qualified coaches guide you through the basics (and sometimes beyond), whether you’re a complete novice or just want to try something unusual or new.
The music area offers the same approach: try everything, touch, listen, and learn. In the so-called Music Grove (Zeneliget), you can even combine music with modern and folkloric dance.
Innovative Sports That Might Hook You
New movements appear every year. Don’t be surprised if a “strange new sport” becomes your new obsession:
– **Spikeball**: Like round-shaped ping pong played on a trampoline net, fast-paced and addictive, great for coordination.
– **Teqball**: A Hungarian invention, teqball blends soccer and table tennis, played on a curved table. It’s already spreading in schools and public spaces—a genuine hit for families and kids alike.
– **Parkour**: It may look wild, but parkour is now structured and offered in youth classes, focusing on navigating obstacles with creativity and energy—a favorite for kids who love action.
– **Naturefitness**: Think hiking, but with added functional fitness moves—squats beside logs, climbing up hills, or swinging from branches. No special equipment is needed, just a sense of adventure!
Fun First—For Everyone
What unites all these activities? The joy of doing something together as a family. The Kinder Joy of Moving program, which embodies the festival’s spirit, aims to make physical activity pure fun, not a chore. Be spontaneous: morning stretches together, dancing in the living room, playful challenges (who can stand on one leg the longest?), taking the stairs instead of the elevator, a walk or run after school, or even family yoga.
Small, regular habits matter more than rigid perfection. Even a few minutes a day counts—for both health and creating memories.
Don’t Just Sit in the Bleachers…
It’s all about perspective. Movement shouldn’t be just another box to tick—it can easily become a cherished shared experience. Show your kids how enjoyable it is by joining in: a quick dance in the living room, backyard games, or an evening stroll. Make it part of your daily routine, and it soon becomes second nature.
Bonus: Check out Toyota’s futuristic electric cars while you’re here, and don’t miss the Active Hungary (Aktív Magyarország) booth for even more family adventure ideas.
One thing’s for sure: September in Budapest has never been so interactive and lively.
